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The objective of this study was to simulate powder plug formation and explore the low-force powder compression physics of the process. A single-ended saw-tooth waveform was used to make powder plugs, representing no. 1 size capsules, at constant punch speeds of 1, 10, and 100 mm/sec on a tablet compaction simulator. Plugs of different heights (4, 8, and 12 mm) were made in a prelubricated die from three materials: Avicel PH 102, anhydrous lactose, and Starch 1500. The compression data were fit to Heckel's pressure-density relationship, Kawakita's pressure-volume relationship, and Shaxby-Evans's exponential relationship. Heckel analysis of this low-pressure range data revealed "apparent yield pressures" of 25-70 MPa, which were dependent upon the material type, machine speed, and plug height. Shaxby-Evans's relationship was found to hold in that the axial load transmission decreased exponentially with increased plug height/diameter ratio. A dramatic decrease in the coefficient of lubrication, R, with increase in plug height was attributed to poor axial load transmission through the length of the plug. Kawakita's pressure-volume relationship fit the plug formation data very well, and it was evident from this model (Kawakita constant, a) that Avicel PH 102 had the largest available volume for reduction. The plug formation process can be simulated using a programmable tablet compaction simulator. Overall, the data analysis demonstrated that the compression models available for tableting that were used in this study can also be applied to the powder plug formation process with appropriate interpretation.

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Studies on Powder Plug Formation Using a Simulated Capsule Filling Machine

Britten

Barnett

Armstrong

1996

Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology

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Using an apparatus which simulates the action of a Macofar 13‐2 dosating‐type capsule‐filling machine, the variation in plug weight and density with changing machine parameters has been studied. The piston ejection speed has no effect on plug properties. However increase in compression speed leads to a less consolidated powder plug and hence reduced plug weight. Application of higher pressures reduces plug weight changes, but would be expected to affect release characteristics. Comparison of axial and radial pressures generated by plugs of Starch 1500 and lubricated lactose show significant differences which can be explained by the different consolidation and elastic properties of the two solids.

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Cited by 6 publications

References 5 publications

The effects of powder compressibility, speed of capsule filling and pre-compression on plug densification

The effects of powder compressibility, speed of capsule filling and pre-compression on plug densification

Capsule Filling Machine Simulation. I. Low-Force Powder Compression Physics Relevant to Plug Formation

Studies on Powder Plug Formation Using a Simulated Capsule Filling Machine

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